Evaluation of Self-Efficacy Perceptions of Teacher Candidates for Using Creative Drama Method

Abstract

Creative drama is a method that makes the individual active in the learning process and enables them to learn by doing and experiencing. Creative drama activities in primary and pre-school education institutions are carried out by the classroom teacher. For this reason, pre-service creative drama work experience is very important. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the self-efficacy perceptions of teacher candidates regarding using creative drama method according to different variables and to determine the opinions of teacher candidates on the subject. Mixed method was used in the research. The research was carried out at Pamukkale University Faculty of Education in the fall semester of the 2018-2019 academic year (n= 302). The participants consisted of pre-service teachers studying in preschool education teaching (n=173) and classroom teaching programs (n=129). In order to obtain qualitative data, 16 students were interviewed. Self-efficacy Perception Scale for Using Creative Drama Method developed by Can and Canturk Gunhan (2009) was used to obtain research data. According to the research, the perceptions of teacher candidates towards using the creative drama method do not show a significant difference according to the program they are studying and the gender variable. According to the results of the qualitative data, pre-service teachers stated that the creative drama method would improve their students' active participation and social skills as well as their professional skills.